CONSIDERING the achievements at Atherton Colls this season it’s harsh to say their campaign is fading towards a conclusion.

North West Counties League First Division champions by a country mile, attendances up at Alder House by 128 per cent on last year and with top scorer Mark Battersby earning plaudits across non-league for an astonishing haul of 62 goals in all competitions, what’s to moan about?

Well, having raised the bar so high, Colls boss Michael Clegg admits recent defeats in the Men United Cup against Glossop and the Reusch First Division Cup to Clitheroe have taken the edge off celebrations.

Tonight’s Hospital Cup clash with Turton will be the 59th game of the season and Clegg admits the wear and tear is starting to show.

“Fixtures have piled up recently, we’ve played a quarter of the season in the last four-and-a-half weeks,” he told The Bolton News.

He’s right – in April alone, Colls rattled through 13 games.

But Clegg is eager to make sure the final 90 minutes of Colls’ campaign counts and while competition rules mean three of his players will be ineligible to play at the Macron Stadium, he remains confident his side can give one final push.

“I think Turton are quite similar to us in that they’ve got some momentum, with the confidence that goes with it,” he said. “But we don’t take anything for granted.

“It has been tough to tell a few lads they won’t be involved. I’ve got a 23-man squad and they’ve all been involved but for some reason in the Hospital Cup you can only have 20. It’s a bit strange, really.

“There’s no doubt lifting the trophy would be a great way to finish.

“It’s a big pitch and that’ll suit us. We might be shattered but we haven’t got any injuries to speak of – so we’ll be giving it a good go.”

There have been some envious glances cast towards Colls this season as their results have helped attract plenty of attention to the club.

“People seem to think there’s money in the semi-pro game but aside from bunging them the odd £20 for petrol, I can honestly say there isn’t,” he said.

“I always tell the lads to take it as a compliment. If they are playing like a team we’re paying big money then we’re doing something right.

“When I came into the club I couldn’t believe how many local players we weren’t picking up. The team was full of players from all over the place.

“One thing I really wanted to do was make sure top players from the Atherton area wanted to play here and thankfully I’ve been given the platform to do that by the club.

“We’re looking forward to next season already – but first I want us to go and enjoy the occasion on Tuesday night.”